The Town of Sunderland is located within Bennington County, in Vermont´s southwest corner. In recent years residents and visitors have branded this beautiful region nestled between the Taconic and Green Mountains as The Shires of Vermont. Located between Bennington, the South Shire, and Manchester, the North Shire, Sunderland is surrounded by mountains and enriched by the waters of the famous Batten Kill that runs through the valley. Sunderland and the towns around it have historically been a popular four season destination for those seeking an authentic Vermont experience. You’ll find canoeing, tubing, camping, mountain biking, hiking and skiing close by. All within a 4 hour drive from New York City, Hartford, Boston, Northern New Jersey and Canada.
Latest News and Announcements:
Short Term Rental Ordinance and Registration – The Town of Sunderland Select Board approved an ordinance regarding short term rental properties at their September 23rd, 2024 meeting. You may review the ordinance HERE. The ordinance becomes effective on November 22nd, 2024. Properties used for short-term rental in the 12 months prior to December 1st, 2024 are required to apply for a zoning permit to continue the short-term rental use. Click HERE to access the information and registration packet. The application must be completed within 6 months of the effective date of the ordinance (no later than May 22nd, 2025). New Short Term Rentals (after December 1st, 2024) are required to complete and submit the same registration packet prior to opening and hosting guests.
Welcome to Sunderland – New welcome to Sunderland signs have been installed on a number of roads entering Sunderland. View a video from GNATV here.
Lost and Found – A Subaru car key was found in June near the Town Garage on Sunderland Hill Road. Please call the Town Office at 802-375-6106 to identify.
Burn Permits – Burn permits are required prior to burning without adequate snow cover. During dry conditions the State of Vermont may issue a red flag warning, which bans outside burning. Click here to access the State fire danger page. Contact the Sunderland Fire Warden at 802-375-2865 for a permit or more information.
Town Office Update – The office is open for in person service Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM. No appointments are necessary. The office personnel are also available to assist you via telephone and email during those hours. Please call 802-375-6106 or email town@sunderlandvt.org or assistant@sunderlandvt.org with your requests and questions. The office is closed on all State and Federal holidays. Please note the office is undergoing a telephone system upgrade. The voicemail option is still a work in progress. If you do not receive a call back, please call again during business hours.
Town Meeting 2024 and Annual Report – Town Meeting was held on Monday, March 4th, 2024 at the Sunderland Elementary School with ballot voting following the next day at the Sunderland Town Office Building. Click here to view the combined minutes and results of the meeting. The 2023 Annual Report is still available. Copies may be picked up at the Sunderland Town Clerk’s office during regular office hours or call the office at 802-375-6106 to request a copy by mail. View a copy of the current report at this link: Sunderland Town Report for Year Ending June 30 2023.
Co-Existing with Bears – Please read the following updated information from Vermont Fish and Wildlife for tips on how to stay safe and successfully co-exist with the bears in your neighborhood: Bear coexistence PSA.
New Contractor Rules – Vermont statute now requires contractors that perform residential construction valued at $10,000 or more to register with the Vermont Secretary of State Office of Professional Regulation. The one year grace period for residential contractors to register with the State ends March 31st, 2024. Consumers should be looking to verify registration before making contractual agreements. Click on this link to learn more: https://sos.vermont.gov/
WIFI Hot spot available at the Sunderland Town Office – Thanks to a generous donation from Microsoft and RTO Wireless, commercial grade WIFI Hotspot equipment was installed at the Sunderland Town Office Building. Microsoft/RTO reached out to the Vermont Public Service Department with an offer to provide and install public WIFI hotspots in rural locations in Vermont at no cost. Residents may access the internet for telehealth, remote learning and more from their vehicle while in the Town Office parking lot. More information about the program can be found in Governor Scott’s press release. Free WiFi is also available inside the Sunderland Town Hall, along with a computer that can be used during normal office hours.
Emergency Preparedness – To help Vermonters be prepared for an emergency situation, the Green Mountain Guide for Emergency Planning is a valuable organizational tool.
Emerald Ash Borer – The VT Urban & Community Forestry Program within the VT Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation has announced the emerald ash borer (EAB), has been confirmed in both Richmond and Shaftsbury, resulting in two new infestations. The vast majority of the Town of Sunderland is now either within the “High Risk Area” (10-mile radius from a known infested site) or the “confirmed Infested Area” (a 5-mile radius from a known infested site). You can view the most up to date map here. The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive insect that attacks and kills 99% of all 3 species of ash trees found in Vermont. The larvae (the immature stage) feed on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients. EAB has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees in North America since it was discovered in 2002. The first EAB infestation was confirmed in Vermont in 2018 and is now in 10 VT counties. For information and resources please visit the VTInvasives.org EAB page.
Front Porch Forum (local electronic forum where we post town information) Join at http://frontporchforum.com
Declaration of Inclusion – At their March 13th, 2023 meeting, the Sunderland Selectboard adopted the following statement: The Town of Sunderland condemns racism and welcomes all persons, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or socioeconomic status, and wants everyone to feel safe and welcome in our community. As a town, we formally condemn all discrimination in all of its forms, commit to fair and equal treatment of everyone in our community, and will strive to ensure all of our actions, policies, and operating procedures reflect this commitment. The Town of Sunderland has and will continue to be a place where individuals can live freely and express their opinions.
